Preparing for the Unexpected in Uncertain Times

The ongoing concerns about terrorist threats on the United States have raised uncertainty about what might happen to you and your family. Having a family disaster plan in place and knowing what to do if disaster strikes are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now.

Cornell Cooperative Extension offers the following basic tips on how to assemble emergency water and food supply kits. Web sites of agencies that have the most current disaster preparedness information are provided to help you take action.

Prepare for at least a three-day supply of water and food. Some sources suggest preparing for a two-week stockpile by increasing the amount of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves as a reserve. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or plastic storage bin.

WATER

• Store one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers, and sick people need more water.
• Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

FOOD

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.
• Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
• Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Kit realizing that familiar foods can lift morale and give a feeling of security in times of stress.

  - Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  - Canned juices
  - Nonfat dry milk or evaporated (canned) milk
  - Dry cereal
  - High energy foods including protein or fruit bars
  - Peanut butter
  - Dried fruit
  - Nuts
  - Crackers
  - Staples (salt, sugar, instant cocoa, coffee, tea)

  Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will infants and elderly people. Don't forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

For specific information on how to prepare water for storing, finding hidden water sources in your home and planning an emergency food supply go to this Cornell Cooperative Extension site: http://www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/prepared/naturaldisasters.pdf

If you are interested in stocking a long-term emergency food supply with suggested quantities of bulk foods go to: http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pubs/current/FDNS-E-34-1.html

Suggested menus for three days - 'Be Prepared with a Three-Day Emergency Food Supply', University of Maine Cooperative Extension: http://www.umext.maine.edu/emergency/9006.htm

Information on how long refrigerated and frozen foods can be kept after a power outage, go to Suffolk's Cornell Cooperative Extension site: http://www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/prepared.power outages.pdf

In addition to food and water, the American Red Cross suggests families prepare for disaster by preparing other kits for first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, personal hygiene and sanitation, and one for important family documents. Explore the complete disaster resources provided by the American Red Cross at their web site: www.redcross.org or call the Suffolk County Chapter at 631/924-6700.

The following agencies have current and detailed information on a variety of disaster preparedness including community and family disaster planning, sheltering-in-place, responding to a biological or chemical threat, and financial preparations:

Federal Emergency Management Agency - www.fema.gov
Center for Disease Control (bioterrorism and public health preparedness)- www.bt.cdc.gov
Food and Drug Administration - www.fda.gov
Federal Trade Commission (buying medications online to treat biological threats) -
www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP

Preparing for an emergency situation, whether it's a natural disaster such as a hurricane or a terrorist attack, make good sense. Contact the Consumer HelpLine of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County for more information on emergency food supplies and food safety. Call 631/727-7850, ext. 374 or email jln9@cornell.edu

Prepared by:
Janet Nadaskay, Consumer HelpLine Consultant at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County